The Academy was founded by data scientists Shaun Dippnall, Dave Strugnell and Aidan Helmbold.

“Ours is a unique, one-of-a-kind course in that it is free, practical, has real-world relevance and provides work experience. We also like the fact that it is open to anyone with aptitude,” Dippnall explained in a press release.

Explore Data Science Academy is believed to be South Africa’s first data science institution

IT company BCX, which has invested R50-million into the project, will also sponsor an initial batch of 100 free internships. It plans to sponsor 300 over the next three years.

“The support from BCX allows our interns crucial access to real-world challenges. What’s more, the spectrum of programmes we offer, simulate the teamwork required when working with data in a corporate environment,” he added.

Interns will take part in the academy’s Accredited Skills Data Science Programme. Applicants will be required to complete an aptitude test, while the course itself will begin in January 2018.

“Anyone from any background with an aptitude for mathematics, statistics, problem solving and analytics may qualify for our course,” Dippnall confirmed.

The Explore Data Science Academy will be located at the Bandwidth Barn in Woodstock, Cape Town.